Rhodesian Ridgeback

The big-dog option. Developed in southern Africa to track lions and hold them at bay, the Ridgeback pairs a short, sleek coat with a long muzzle. At around 32 to 40 kilograms it still builds heat faster than a lean sighthound, so summer exercise needs real restraint. The ridge of reversed hair along its back comes with a risk of dermoid sinus, a skin defect breeders should check every puppy for.